Rats will stop visiting gardens once and for all if you use £1 kitchen essential

Most propertyowners or green-fingered enthusiasts will admit to feeling a sinking feeling when they spy rats scurrying in their garden. These pesky critters wreak destruction on beloved plants, spread nasty diseases, and leave homeowners feeling thoroughly rattled.

With their massive breeding rates, rats are the most prolific nuisance you're likely to encounter lurking in your garden. And that's not to mention the fact that they sometimes even sneak indoors.

Whilst bird feeding stations aren't a guaranteed invite for these tricky rodents, once they clock your garden as a dependable grub source, they'll likely outstay their welcome - as one frustrated gardener discovered, reports the Express.

Posting on the Facebook group Garden Makeover Ideas On A Budget, member Tina Hill pleaded: "Does anyone have any tips to deter or stop rats from coming into my garden. I really love my bird feeder and really don't want to get rid of it, but I also don't want more rats in my garden."

The overwhelming response from fellow gardeners pointed to one fool-proof solution that "never fails" - sprinkling chilli powder.

One follower revealed: "Chilli powder in with the bird food, mammals can taste it, but birds can't. I use it to stop rats and squirrels."

Another chimed in: "They don't like chilli powder, and I found that birds don't mind it."

And a third suggested: "Make it impossible for them to eat your bird feed by adding in a sprinkling of chilli powder."

She added: "I added chilli powder to areas of my garden and they never came back. They were eating my herbs."

Pest control experts at Rentokil's blog suggest the use of chilli powder as a deterrent, stating: "Rats are not fans of spicy scents. Chilli pepper flakes, cayenne pepper powder, or even a strong chilli oil can irritate their respiratory systems."

They advise: "Sprinkling these spices around entry points, like air bricks, pipe entries, or under sheds, can create a barrier. Reapply after wet weather for continued protection."

Similarly, the professionals at Enviro Safe Pest Control endorse this natural method of rat deterrence, asserting: "Chilli is known to irritate the respiratory tract of the rats when inhaled. Simply sprinkle the chilli powder in the rat-infested areas. When the rodents smell and ingest chilli powder, they won't return to the same area."